The Unparalleled Sword Emperor Chapter 2662 - 2637: Darkwater Divine Thunder Technique

During their respite, Ban Ye recounted numerous legends concerning the Sword God Family of the Northern Continent, thereby broadening Lin Bai's comprehension of this esteemed lineage.

Across the vast Barbaric Ancient Continent, three eternally enduring families stand supreme.

Prominent among them are the Sword God Family, the Poison God Clan of the Southern Continent, and the Wealth God Clan of the Central Holy Nation.

Their origins predate the reckoning of conventional time; it is whispered that these three clans were already established when the Barbaric Ancient Continent was still a realm of untamed chaos.

The Central Holy Nation's ascension to dominion over the Barbaric Ancient Continent was largely facilitated by the formidable backing of the Wealth God Clan.

Conversely, the Poison God Clan and the Sword God Family charted a different course, dedicating themselves solely to their respective cultivation paths—one to the art of poison, the other to the mastery of the sword—choosing to remain aloof from the continent's power struggles.

Ban Ye narrowed his eyes, lost in thought, and remarked, "Judging by the calendar, the Sky Sword City Competition is just over three months away. A considerable number of warriors must be converging on the Northern Continent by now."

"Young compatriot, your swordsmanship is remarkably refined. Have you also journeyed here for the Sky Sword City event?"

"Are you seeking renown and fortune, or perhaps an audience with the Sword God Family?"

Lin Bai offered a wry smile, query, "What is renown and fortune? And what is the Sword God Family?"

Ban Ye chuckled heartily. "Should you successfully navigate the perils of the Yunmeng Marsh, fame will undoubtedly follow your triumphs, spreading your renown Under Heaven!"

"However, if your aspirations lie with the Sword God Family, then your path leads to Sky Sword City, where you shall test your mettle against prodigious sword art talents from across the land!"

Lin Bai responded with a gentle smile, "While Sky Sword City piques my interest, my curiosity is even more greatly stirred by the allure of the Sword God Family."

Ban Ye laughed again. "I comprehend. Warriors of your tender age naturally harbor dreams of ascending to the sacred grounds of sword art for their cultivation. Indeed, all warriors Under Heaven share this ambition!"

Lin Bai and Ban Ye settled into comfortable conversation, their exchange flowing with ease.

Before long, the deepest hours of the night began to recede.

At this juncture, Lin Bai shifted the focus of their discussion, inquiring, "Uncle Ban Ye, I observed your confrontation with those Earth Snakes earlier. An extraordinary dark lightning emanated from your person. Might I ask what divine power this is?"

Uncle Ban Ye let out a soft chuckle. "This is a paramount technique originating from Black Water City, known as the 'Black Water Divine Thunder Skill'."

Lin Bai's eyes narrowed as he calmly repeated, "Black Water Divine Thunder Skill..."

Ban Ye continued, "Young compatriot, the political landscape of the Northern Continent diverges significantly from that of the other three."

"The East Continent is partitioned into various Territories, the Western Continent into Myriad of Buddhas, and the Southern Continent into Myriad of Tribes."

"In contrast, the Northern Continent is delineated into Ten Thousand Cities!"

"Within the Northern Continent, a single imperial dynasty holds sway, known as the Lounan Ancient Country!"

"The Lounan Ancient Country commands one-third of the Northern Continent's expanse, wielding the most formidable influence."

"Save for the Sword God Family, the paramount power on the Northern Continent is none other than the Lounan Ancient Country!"

"The saying of 'Ten Thousand Cities' resonates throughout the Northern Continent."

Ban Ye stated this with a measured tone.

Lin Bai listened intently.

Having only recently set foot on the Northern Continent, Lin Bai found himself utterly unfamiliar with its ways. Gaining further insight into its structure was immensely beneficial.

Ban Ye elaborated, "Young compatriot, as you can plainly see, the land of the Northern Continent is largely a desolate wasteland, barren and devoid of even the humblest blade of grass, exceedingly impoverished, where warriors eke out an existence in the harsh crevices of survival!"

"Consequently, the societal framework of the Northern Continent has coalesced into the system of Ten Thousand Cities."

"The cities present in the Northern Continent serve a similar function to the Territories, sects, and clans found in the East Continent."

"To align oneself with a city is akin to pledging allegiance to a sect or a family!"

"Within these cities, diligent effort and perseverance can yield abundant cultivation resources!"

"Opting for a life outside the city walls means facing a solitary and arduous struggle within the unforgiving wilderness."

Ban Ye explained with a knowing smile.

"Furthermore, this 'Black Water Divine Thunder Skill' represents the foundational technique required to establish oneself firmly within Black Water City. Its potency is immense, and its acquisition demands significant contributions to the city's welfare!"

"In days past, I tirelessly ventured forth for Black Water City, participating in numerous conflicts between cities and achieving notable distinctions, only then did the opportunity arise for me to cultivate the 'Black Water Divine Thunder Skill'!"

Ban Ye recounted with a smile.

Lin Bai nodded slightly, his curiosity piqued, and posed the question, "Then, if I were to seek entry into Black Water City, would I then have the chance to cultivate the 'Black Water Divine Thunder Skill'?"

Ban Ye beamed, stating, "Indeed, all cultivators in Black Water City possess the capability to practice the 'Black Water Divine Thunder Skill,' though the prerequisites are quite demanding!"

"It's not a technique any warrior can master!"

Lin Bai gave a slight nod, responding, "It's sufficient that it can be cultivated."

At this moment, Lin Bai felt highly certain that the 'Black Water Divine Thunder Skill' was a component within the second volume of the Five Elements Scripture, specifically the 'Five-element Divine Thunder Skill.' He recognized its shared origins with the 'Qingmu Divine Thunder Secret Skill' he was currently practicing.

If he could successfully cultivate the 'Black Water Divine Thunder Skill,' Lin Bai's might would undoubtedly surge dramatically!

After conversing throughout the night, Ban Ye, with great enthusiasm, imparted extensive details about the Northern Continent to Lin Bai.

"Oh yes, little brother, I still don't know your esteemed name," Ban Ye inquired with a smile.

Lin Bai replied, "I am... Lin Bai!"

Ban Ye chuckled and declared, "Then, let us proceed, Brother Lin Bai! It is time we returned to Black Water City."

As he spoke, Ban Ye cast a glance at the few juniors, still visibly shaken, and remarked casually, "They seldom venture into perilous areas like the Earth Snake Forest; yesterday's events must have thoroughly startled them."

Lin Bai offered a subtle nod in agreement.

"Come, let's head back to Black Water City."

Ban Ye, accompanied by the several juniors and Lin Bai, made their way back towards Black Water City.

Three hours elapsed.

Ahead, Lin Bai's gaze fell upon a magnificent city, emerging from the desolate wilderness. It stood amongst the mountains, akin to a colossal giant aspiring to touch the heavens.

Within and above its walls, an innumerable multitude of warriors constantly moved to and fro.

"The Vast Territory of the East Continent, the Ten Thousand Cities of the Northern Continent, the Ten Thousand Buddhas of the Western Continent, the Ten Thousand Tribes of the Southern Continent..." Lin Bai softly recited this phrase in his mind, gaining a fresh perspective on the power dynamics across the Barbaric Ancient Continent.

Upon reaching the city gates of Black Water City, Ban Ye and his accompanying juniors presented their identity tokens, validating their right to enter.

However, Lin Bai possessed no such token.

At the city gate, a contingent of armored warriors, their eyes fixed intently on Lin Bai, awaited the presentation of an identity token.

Ban Ye, seizing the moment, interjected with a smile, "Esteemed sirs, this is Brother Lin Bai. He is new to our Black Water City and... desires to join our ranks here!"

Turning to Lin Bai, Ban Ye then affirmed, "Brother Lin Bai, if I recall correctly, you expressed a desire to join Black Water City, is that correct?"

Lin Bai confirmed with a slight nod.

"In that case, come to our Tang Family," Ban Ye proposed. "Become a Guest Official. The benefits are more substantial; what do you say?"

Lin Bai responded with a smile, "That sounds excellent!"

Ban Ye gave a slight nod and immediately guided Lin Bai through the necessary entry procedures, securing a token for him.

Concurrently, he explained that every cultivator within Black Water City was obligated to remit spiritual liquid to the city on a monthly basis.

Cultivators beneath the Flying Sky Realm were required to contribute 100 catties of spiritual liquid monthly.

Those below the Yangshen Realm were to pay 500 catties of spiritual liquid monthly.

Cultivators below the Wending Realm incurred a charge of 1000 catties of spiritual liquid per month.

Warriors who had achieved the Wending Realm were exempt from these spiritual liquid payments.

Hearing this stipulation, Lin Bai couldn't help but marvel; the sheer volume of spiritual liquid amassed from each cultivator's contribution would be incalculable.

Presently, Black Water City housed hundreds of millions of cultivators. If each contributed merely 100 catties of spiritual liquid, the total would be beyond comprehension!

However, Lin Bai, now seeking to become a part of Black Water City, dutifully paid the sum of 1000 catties of spiritual liquid.